When homeowners visit our Windura showroom, one of the most common questions we hear is, “What’s the difference between a double hung, a single hung, and a casement window, and which one’s best for my home?”
The answer depends on more than appearance. Window type affects how your home looks, how it functions, and even how easy it is to clean. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of double hung windows, the affordability of single hung, or the sleek, modern appeal of casements, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your Kansas City home.
Understanding the Difference Between Each Window Type
Kansas City homes come in all shapes and styles, from historic bungalows in Brookside to newer suburban builds in Overland Park. That variety makes window selection especially important. Each type: double hung, single hung, and casement windows, offers distinct benefits for ventilation, cleaning, and design. Understanding how they perform in our region’s changing seasons helps homeowners choose the perfect style for lasting comfort and curb appeal.
Single Hung Windows: Simple and Affordable
A single-hung window features one movable sash; the lower portion slides up and down while the top sash remains fixed. It’s an economical option often used in new builds or rental properties, offering good ventilation and a clean, timeless look.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, minimal parts, energy-efficient due to fewer seals.
- Cons: Limited ventilation, less flexible for cleaning upper sashes.
If you’re comparing vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows, Marvin’s Essential™ Single Hung Windows stand out for their all-fiberglass frames that deliver exceptional strength and low maintenance. They outperform traditional vinyl options, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who value long-term reliability without unnecessary complexity.
Double Hung Windows: Classic Design with Added Functionality
A double-hung window looks similar but offers two operable sashes, allowing both the top and bottom sections to open for better airflow. Both sashes tilt inward, making cleaning fast and easy, a key reason why double-hung styles are so popular throughout the Midwest.
- Pros: Superior ventilation, easy cleaning, classic design.
- Cons: Slightly higher cost and more moving parts than single-hung models.
Homeowners considering fiberglass window replacement can explore Marvin’s Elevate™ and Essential™ Double Hung Windows, which combine the strength and durability of fiberglass with the beauty of painted or stained wood interiors.
Casement Windows: Contemporary Style and Maximum Ventilation
A casement window operates with a side hinge and a crank, swinging outward to open fully. This design allows for maximum airflow and unobstructed views, making it ideal for homes that desire a more modern, transitional look.
- Pros: Excellent ventilation, energy-efficient seal, sleek appearance.
- Cons: Requires exterior clearance for operation; hardware can wear if misused.
Marvin’s Ultimate and Elevate Casement Windows are popular among homeowners who desire large glass areas, unobstructed sightlines, and a subtle contemporary aesthetic.
1. Design and Style Considerations
Your home’s architecture and lifestyle play a major role in determining which window type is best suited. Whether you live in a classic Kansas City or a contemporary suburban home, choosing between these windows can dramatically affect curb appeal, interior lighting, and overall harmony with your architecture.
Traditional or Transitional?
For Kansas City’s classic bungalows and Craftsman-style homes, Marvin Windows for historic homes are an ideal solution. Their balanced proportions and divided-light options help keep the authentic look. For homeowners updating a 1950s or 1960s home, switching to casement windows offers a more transitional appearance, modernizing curb appeal without losing warmth.
More Glass, More Light
Casement windows provide a larger visible glass area, giving homes a brighter, more open feel. Meanwhile, double hung designs with divided grids deliver the charm many homeowners associate with traditional Midwest homes.
Every home has its own character, and your window style should complement it. The key is finding the right balance between your home’s design goals and your lifestyle.
2. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Practicality is often the deciding factor for Kansas City homeowners choosing between these three options. The way a window opens and tilts can determine how easy it is to clean, especially on upper floors or hard-to-reach areas.
Double Hung — Easy Cleaning for Busy Households
Both sashes tilt inward for effortless interior cleaning, even on upper floors. This makes double hung windows a top pick for families who value low-maintenance living.
Single Hung — Simplified, But Limited Access
With a single movable sash, cleaning is most effortless from the interior bottom half. Homeowners often choose these for ground-level spaces or areas where exterior access is simple.
Casement — Crank, Open, and Wipe
Casement windows open outward, and most Marvin models feature a “wash mode” hinge, allowing the sash to pivot for safe, easy exterior cleaning from inside the home.
No matter which style you choose, Windura’s expert installation and Marvin’s quality construction make maintaining your new windows effortless for years to come.
3. Energy Efficiency and Ventilation
Each window style offers unique performance benefits. In Kansas City, where winters can be frigid and summers humid, the right window choice can make a big difference in energy costs and indoor comfort.
Tight Seals Make a Difference
Casement windows are known for their superior airtight seals. The sash presses directly into the frame when closed, preventing air infiltration. This makes them excellent for energy-conscious homeowners seeking high performance in windy or exposed areas.
Balanced Airflow with Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows allow for top-and-bottom ventilation, creating a natural airflow cycle. Warm air escapes through the top, while cool air enters below.
Efficiency in Simplicity with Single-Hung Windows
Fewer moving parts mean fewer seals to maintain, giving single hung models a slight efficiency edge in moderate climates.
Whether it’s the airtight seal of a casement window, the balanced airflow of a double-hung window, or the simplicity of a single-hung window, each offers distinct energy-saving advantages. Next, let’s examine how these performance differences impact overall cost and long-term value.
4. Cost, Convenience, and Value Comparison
Before deciding between single-hung, double-hung, or casement windows, it is helpful to understand how each type compares in terms of cost, convenience, and overall value. Here’s a quick breakdown to help Kansas City homeowners strike a balance between budget, functionality, and style.
| Window Type | Approx. Cost Tier | Ventilation | Ease of Cleaning | Design Appeal |
| Single Hung | $ | Moderate | Basic (bottom only) | Simple, traditional |
| Double Hung | $$ | Excellent | Very easy | Classic Midwest look |
| Casement | $$$ | Maximum | Easy (with wash hinge) | Modern, streamlined |
This comparison makes it clear: single-hung windows deliver simplicity and savings, double-hung windows offer the best all-around versatility, and casement windows provide premium design and energy performance. Knowing where each option fits helps you choose windows that match both your home’s style and your comfort goals.
How Windura Helps You Choose the Right Window
At Windura, our goal isn’t to sell you one type of window; it’s to help you find the right fit for your home, lifestyle, and design goals.
- Personalized Recommendations Based on Your Home: We evaluate your home’s layout, ventilation needs, and style preferences before making recommendations.
- Certified Installation That Protects Your Investment: As a Marvin-certified installer, our team ensures every window performs exactly as designed.
- Transparent, No-Pressure Consultations: You’ll see real samples of each window style in our showroom and get straightforward answers about cost, performance, and maintenance expectations. No gimmicks, no pressure.
Key Takeaways for Kansas City Homeowners
- Double-hung windows offer the best balance of classic style, easy cleaning, and year-round ventilation, making them ideal for most Kansas City homes.
- Single-hung windows provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance option perfect for rental or lower-level spaces.
- Casement windows deliver superior energy efficiency and modern aesthetics, maximizing light and airflow in open spaces.
Choose Comfort, Style, and Performance with Marvin Windows
Upgrading your home’s windows should be an exciting, not a confusing, process. Whether you’re drawn to the classic double-hung, simple single-hung, or sleek casement style, Marvin’s fiberglass craftsmanship and Windura’s installation expertise ensure lasting comfort, efficiency, and beauty.
Contact Windura today to schedule your consultation or visit our showroom in Kansas City. We’ll help you compare Marvin double-hung, single-hung, and casement windows side by side to find the perfect fit for you.
